A resident of the southeastern part of Connecticut, Ryan Edgley came to WestConn "mainly because of the graphic design department. I also came to play soccer," he says. "Both the graphic design department and the men’s soccer program were excellent, and I saw WestConn as a great way to further my soccer career and get a great education.

While some students aren't entirely sure about the academic areas they want to study, Edgley knew what he wanted to pursue. "I decided to major in graphic design because I have always had a passion for creating art and because it is currently a very popular line of work," he says. "For me, personally, it all just fits. In the field of graphic design, an employer or a prospective client comes to you with an idea or a problem. As a graphic designer it is my job to make that idea work or to solve the problem. That is what I love about graphic design -- that it is a process. It is a process of arranging words and images in such a way that they are appealing and informative."

Edgley says that while at WestConn he's acquired meaningful skills that will enhance his career. "The professors in the graphic design department have been valuable to me. Art professors David Skora and Terry Wells have instilled in me the basics I will need to survive when I leave school and enter the world of graphic design."

Asked what he will remember most about his WestConn experience, Edgley says, "My most memorable experience would have to be winning the Men’s Soccer Little East Conference Championship my sophomore year. It was my great privilege to be able to take the game-winning penalty kick that made the WCSU Men’s Soccer team the LEC Champions.”

After graduation, Edgley’s long-term goals include "getting out into the world to get some good working experience and make a living." Graduate school may also be on the horizon.

Edgley’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: “I would say have a great time but stay on track. Be sure to maintain the balance between work and play. Make the best of all opportunities; college is four years, but it will be the fastest four years of your life.”